Cercidiphyllum japonicum Ra - Katsura tree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Ra' (Jww3 PBR) is a small dense bush with a caramel tree vibe. It has a compact, bushy habit and smaller and more pointed leaves, but the same exuberance of colours. The leaves take on reddish-orange hues in spring, gradually turning green-yellow in summer, and vibrant gold and orange shades in autumn. Just like the classic caramel tree, its foliage releases a light and sweet fragrance when the fallen leaves are stepped on.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is the only species in the Cercidiphyllaceae family, dedicated solely to it. A deciduous tree with fairly fast growth, native to China and Japan, it has become rare in its native range but widely cultivated in the West in parks and gardens. If left unchecked, it tends to grow with multiple trunks, each forming a narrow fork, with short branches cascading horizontally. The overall habit is rather slender, conical, but quite wide. While this tree can reach 30, or even 45 m in its native range, making it one of the tallest in the forest, it rarely exceeds 12 to 15 m in height in our climates, with a spread of 6 to 8 m.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Ra' is a slow-growing and compact horticultural selection that reaches about 4 m in height and 3 m in spread at the age of 10, and will not exceed 6 m in height at maturity. It has a rounded and dense habit. Its heart-shaped leaves somewhat resemble those of the Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum, a resemblance that is likely the origin of its species name Cercidiphyllum, literally meaning "with leaves of Cercis". They have slightly serrated edges. It is commonly believed that slightly acidic soil enhances the intensity of the colours. It is in autumn that the leaves emit their characteristic caramel fragrance, more or less pronounced. The spring flowering, with a somewhat dull pink-red colour, is of little interest, male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The trunk is covered with a fairly regular grey-brown bark that quickly develops some superficial wrinkles. It slightly exfoliates over time.

We recommend planting the 'Ra' caramel tree as a standalone specimen, on a beautiful lawn to let it thrive. It thrives in partial shade, illuminating it with its vibrant colours for 3 seasons. You can also surround it with low shrubs or perennials that evolve throughout the seasons; for example, a bushy Clematis heracleifolia, a Lespedeza thunbergii, a Midnight purple Physocarpus, or some lady's mantle.